Printer Liquid Level Control for Transducer Atomizing Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inkjet printers equipped with a humidifier using a transducer, the atomizing performance of the transducer deteriorates when the distance from the transducer to the liquid surface increases, leading to prolonged humidity achievement times and potential ink discharge failures.
Innovation Solution
A printer configuration that includes a container for storing liquid, a transducer for humidifying air by vibrating the liquid, a first change mechanism (valve or pump) to adjust the liquid level, and a processor to control the liquid level, maintaining it at a position lower than the maximum height to prevent deterioration of the transducer's atomizing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the liquid level in the tank is maintained at the maximum height (full level), then the tank capacity is fully utilized, but the distance from the transducer to the liquid surface increases causing deterioration of atomizing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid level control system dynamically adjusts the liquid level in the tank rather than maintaining it at a fixed maximum level. The control unit monitors the liquid level and activates the discharge mechanism to maintain the liquid level within a predetermined range that ensures optimal transducer performance while maximizing liquid storage utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the liquid level in the tank and compares it against predetermined thresholds. When the liquid level exceeds the optimal range, the control unit activates the discharge mechanism to reduce the level, ensuring the transducer maintains consistent atomizing performance.
2Reliability
If the liquid level is frequently adjusted to maintain optimal transducer performance, then the atomizing performance is preserved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid level control system operates autonomously using a self-service mechanism. The control unit automatically monitors the liquid level and activates the discharge mechanism when needed without requiring manual intervention. The system uses simple level detection and predetermined control logic to maintain optimal liquid levels, preserving atomizing performance while minimizing control complexity.
3Productivity
If the humidification starts immediately after liquid replenishment, then the productivity is improved, but the actual humidity may not reach the target humidity causing ink discharge failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-controlling the liquid level in the tank before humidification starts. The control unit ensures the liquid level is within the optimal range before initiating the humidification process, which guarantees that the transducer can immediately achieve target humidity levels without causing ink discharge failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining a buffer of optimal liquid level in the tank before humidification begins. This predetermined liquid level ensures that sufficient liquid is available for immediate atomization, cushioning against any potential delays in humidity achievement and preventing printing reliability issues.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The controlled liquid level maintains optimal transducer performance, reducing humidity achievement time and preventing ink discharge failures, ensuring reliable printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer (75) configured to humidify air by causing the liquid stored in the container (71) to vibrate
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a container configured to store a liquid, a transducer configured to humidify air by causing the liquid stored in the container to vibrate, a first change mechanism including at least one of a first valve or a first pump, and configured to change a liquid level of the liquid stored in the container, a first sensor configured to output a first detection signal indicating that the liquid level reaches a first height, a processor, and a memory storing computer-readable instructions that instruct the processor to perform processes. The processes include change processing of controlling the first change mechanism and changing the liquid level, and first maintaining processing of, after the change processing is performed, controlling the first change mechanism and maintaining the liquid level at a maintained position lower than the first height and higher than the bottom surface of the container.